Vietnamese Folklore: Origins and Values

Overview of Vietnamese Folklore

Vietnamese folklore is a rich and diverse treasure trove, formed and developed over thousands of years of history. It encompasses elements such as fairy tales, legends, proverbs, folk songs, folk music, puppetry, traditional festivals, handicrafts… All reflect the spiritual life, thoughts, feelings, and life concepts of the Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present.

Fairy Tales: Dreams and Life Lessons

Vietnamese fairy tales often have a high educational value, containing lessons on morality, compassion, and justice… Through imaginary and magical stories, children are introduced to the good values of society. Familiar characters like Tam and Cam, Thach Sanh, are symbols of good conquering evil, and justice ultimately prevailing.

Proverbs and Folk Songs: The Voice of the Soul

Proverbs are short, concise sayings that encapsulate the life experiences of the people. They often have a general nature, reflecting the laws of nature and society. Folk songs are lyrical poems that express people’s emotions and thoughts, from love to family and national feelings. Both proverbs and folk songs are precious treasures of folk literature, contributing to enriching the Vietnamese language.

Traditional Festivals: Intangible Cultural Heritage

Traditional festivals in Vietnam are not only occasions for fun and entertainment but also opportunities to commemorate gods, heroes, and ancestors. Each festival has its unique characteristics, reflecting the beliefs and customs of each region. For example, the Hung Temple Festival, the Gio Festival, and the Lim Festival are all famous festivals that attract many domestic and international tourists.

The Value of Folklore

Vietnamese folklore has immense value in many aspects: education, entertainment, tourism, preservation, and development of national cultural identity. Preserving and promoting folklore is the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, so that future generations can inherit these precious values.

Today, the preservation and promotion of folklore is receiving special attention. Many activities are organized to introduce and promote folklore to the public, both domestically and internationally. This helps Vietnamese folklore to be known more widely and appreciated more.